Students from Rotorua Boys' and Girls' high schools have become the first to graduate from a NCEA-accredited police studies course.
More than 40 students graduated from the course in a ceremony at the Council Chambers on Monday night. Manny Patrick Crawford and Allannah Tapara, both 17, were named top male and female in the course.
Allannah said she had always wanted to be a police officer and she hoped to go to Police College next year.
"When police studies came up I was eager to join. It would give me more insight and experience into what it's like to be a cop."
She said she was surprised to be named the top student because many of the girls in the course were "outstanding".
"I'm from Te Teko ... I wanted to make a difference to the town and influence others to change their ways."
The Year 13 student planned to go to the University of Auckland next year to study sport and health but said he hoped to join the police force in the future.
Manny Patrick said he would encourage others to do the course.
"It's good for the future. It's positive... I just think overall it's a good course for everyone to take."
He said the graduation was exciting.
"It was humbling to be the first school to do it and graduate."
During the course the students spent Tuesdays and Thursdays doing physical training and the other days of the week studying in the classroom.
Rotorua Boys' High School and Rotorua Girls' High School became the first schools in the country to add the subject to their curriculum late last year.
The course was delivered in collaboration with New Zealand Police and Unitec, and prepared the students to apply for entry to the Royal New Zealand Police College on completion.
The course covers the context of policing in New Zealand, legislation, policies, strategies, procedures and ethics.
It also teaches the theory and practice involved in policing.
Students who did the course were able to gain 29 NCEA Level 3 credits plus the Unitec Level 4 certificate in Introduction to Police Studies Aotearoa New Zealand. Students who complete the course do have to meet other entrance requirements for police college.
A total of 35 students from both schools graduated.
Allannah said the course wouldn't have been possible without help from senior police officials like Police Commissioner Mike Bush, area commander Anaru Pewhairangi, and the schools' principals.
"We made it. We're the first ever in New Zealand and I'm really proud of all the hard work everyone put in."
A further 12 schools plan to teach the subject next year.
